0807.Inq.1 Designing a simple experimental procedure with an identified control and appropriate variables


Designing an Experiment



VOCABULARY


Scientific Method- A series of steps that a scientist follows in order to solve a problem or find an answer to a question. (How scientists figure something out)

hypothesis- A possible, testable explanation or answer for a scientific question. (An educated guess)

experiment- A procedure designed to test a hypothesis. (How scientists test their guess.)

data- Information in the form of measurements or observations. (Information that comes from the experiment.)

conclusion- A statement that sums up the results of an experiment and says whether the experiment supports the hypothesis. (The final answer.)

procedure- The written step-by-step plan for an experiment. (How scientists do experiments.)

variable- Any factor that can affect the results of an experiment (Something that affects the experiment.)

dependent variable- A variable affected by changes in the independent variable. (Affected by changes in the independent variable.)

control group- A group used as a standard of comparison in an experiment. (The one that is compared to.)

experimental group- A group of test subjects that are exposed to changes in the independent variable. (The test subjects.)

trial- A repetition of an experiment. (Repeating an experiment.)

LINKS


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_of_experiments
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/designing-experiments-using-the-scientific-method.html
http://www.longwood.edu/cleanva/images/sec6.designexperiment.pdf
http://www.ehow.com/how_4510320_design-scientific-experiment.html
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080918180902AAyVO7z


PICTURES



external image 300px-Drop_time.jpg Measured fall time of a small steel sphere falling from various heights.

external image 0-7645-5326-7_0102.jpg an experiment to find marathon runners's finish time.

Volcano Science Project
Volcano Science Project

Learning about
volcanoes is more
fun when you make
a model that erupts!
Egg floatation (Buoyancy) Science Project
Egg floatation (Buoyancy) Science Project

Buoyancy related science projects are often based on the real application of this science. This experiment shows how you can make an egg to sink, float or submerge.

Stumped on what to make for your science fair this year? Check out these cool experiments!
Stumped on what to make for your science fair this year? Check out these cool experiments!


An experiment that grows crystal gardens.



QUESTIONS



What is the first step to creating a succesful experiments?

Which part of the Scientific Method is "design an experiment?"

What is a variable?

What is a control?

What experiments do you do experiments in everyday life?


REFERENCES



www.wikipedia.com
www.dummies.com
www.longwood.com
www.ehow.com
http://answers.com
Tennesse Blueprint TCAP Coachbook
8th Grade Holt Science Book

created and edited by drummer_dude_21.